At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships for innovative beauty products.
- Company: Join The Body Shop, a pioneer in ethical beauty and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a positive impact on the planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing or buying, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for beauty.
The Body Shop was founded in 1976 with a vision of business as a force for good. We are proud to be pioneering cruelty-free beauty and empowering people while enriching our planet. Our activist roots remain a huge part of everything we do, from our iconic window posters to our vegetarian products and infamous campaigns.
The Category Buyer reports to the Category Lead and plays a pivotal role in developing and executing sourcing strategies that meet our business needs. This position collaborates across the organisation to enhance our competitive edge by securing access to innovation, best-cost solutions, favourable commercial terms, and strategic supplier relationships. The role also partners with cross-functional teams to ensure sourcing strategies are aligned with business objectives, driving continuous improvement in sourcing performance and processes — ultimately contributing to sustainable, profitable growth.
You will be responsible for the sourcing activities to manage our core product portfolio as well as new product developments including:
- Category management
- Help define & implement supplier strategy for finished goods categories such as Skincare or Bath & Body
- Commercially control spend within your specific remit, working creatively and in a SMART way to reduce overall costs whilst increasing efficiency
- Identifying and delivering cost saving and value creation opportunities through negotiations, resourcing, tendering activity
- Manage cost forecasts, share & control assumptions for budget construction, maintain data up to date for financial trends & Budget, report on KPI
- Working up feasibility costs for new products to ensure commercial viability
- Present and update cross functional teams in meetings on the status of projects
- Keep up to date on market trends and cost impacts which could affect costs for products within remit
- Supplier relationships management
- Identify and evaluate suppliers; select, approve and review supplier performance, lead supplier development efforts on all aspects of the value chain: costs, agility, ethics, innovation, sustainability & quality
- Manage sourcing negotiations and contract management negotiations: from RFQ/RFP to delivery of the product
- Working closely with suppliers to bring creative and innovative solutions back to our teams
- Corporate representative for an expanding number of incumbent and new suppliers
- Fostering a collaborative working environment across internal and external cross teams
- Ensures procurement and ethical protocols are documented and followed
What we look for:
- Previous experience in a sourcing/manufacturing/technical buying environment with proven project implementation skills within a cross functional organisation
- Experience of supplier performance evaluation, supplier selection & supplier relationship management
- Experience of sourcing processes, data management & contract management
- Excellent interpersonal skills including strong cultural awareness with the ability to develop and maintain strong effective relationships
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills (formulas, tables, etc) essential
- Knowledge of Health & Beauty industry highly desirable
Competencies:
- Strategic sourcing and analytical
- Commercial acumen
- Stakeholder and supplier Management
- Resilience
- Curious and solutions orientated
Skills:
- Negotiation
- Spend Analysis
- Cost modelling
- Clear Communication
- Contract Management
- Operational & Process skills
- Cross functional Collaboration
- Risk Management
- Managing E2E RFQ /RFP process
- Attention to detail
- Data analysis
- Excel & Reporting Tools
- Microsoft office
- AI Curious
Talent Drivers:
- Leadership
- Purpose
- Collaborative Skills
- Personal Conduct
- Commerciality
Category Buyer in Hove employer: The Body Shop
The Body Shop is an excellent employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in Nottingham, where employees are encouraged to express their passion for beauty and sustainability. With a strong commitment to ethical practices, the company offers comprehensive training and growth opportunities, ensuring that every Beauty Consultant can thrive in their role while making a positive impact on customers' lives. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional journey in a rewarding retail environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Hove
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like The Body Shop.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to The Body Shop:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Body Shop. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like The Body Shop.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Body Shop
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at The Body Shop!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at The Body Shop. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into The Body Shop's culture.
